ABSTRACT
A variety of studies on social movements argue that occupation display a particular form of protest. This form of protests does not only capture discontentment and claims for change rather occupations can be understood as a laboratory for developing alternative visions and imaginations. It seems that there is a need for isolation in order to create and develop alternatives. Hence, the question arises whether decolonialisation process must be an island? Symbolically, island refers to the isolation and the limitation of a social space for developing and aspiring alternative futures. The chapter discusses the ambivalences of occupation during the struggle of students for decolonialisation in South Africa. Based on an empirical case study research at the University of Cape Town, the chapter aims to analyse the role of occupation during the student protests. It discusses the contradictions and ambivalences between the limitation and closure of space and its need for openness during the struggle of students for decolonialisation. The data collection is based on biographical interviews with divers occupants, including the leaders of the movement, members of the student representative council, Black radical feminists, queer and LGBTQI* activists, and supporting academics and staff of the occupied buildings.
